When Should You Worry About Fatigue?

Whether it’s after a long day at work, a day full of exams at school, or taking care of young children – fatigue is something we’ve all experienced.

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms that patients of Dr. Ali Ghahary will report. Many of the time that fatigue is often the result of not getting a good night’s rest. In fact, more than half of Canadians say they don’t feel as though they get enough sleep, and Canada is considered to be the third most sleep-deprived country. While getting some extra sleep can be fixed by making a few lifestyle modifications (i.e. not watching television late at night), combating fatigue may be more than just changing your habits, as there are certain medical conditions that can also contribute to extreme tiredness and should not be overlooked.

Approximately 1 in 10 Canadians suffer from thyroid problems. An under-active thyroid, also known as hypothyroidism, is another common reason that one may feel fatigued. The thyroid is responsible for everything from your metabolism, the function of your immune system, and your energy levels. When the thyroid doesn’t function properly then that is when you begin to experience things like tiredness. Other common signs of an under-active thyroid include weight gain, dry skin, and constipation. Your thyroid levels can be checked with a simple blood test, and depending on whether it is over or under-active, Dr. Ali Ghahary can prescribe patients with the appropriate medication. In order to make sure you are on the right dose of medication, it is a good idea to get your blood checked every few months.

Adrenal insufficiency, while less common, can also cause fatigue. This occurs when the adrenal glands don’t function as they should and your body is unable to create enough cortisol as a result. Along with feeling tired, you can also experience light-headedness, have abdominal pain, diarrhea, and may also notice weight loss.

Chronic fatigue is another condition you may be aware of, and it’s name is self explanatory. Unlike the normal kind of fatigue we all experience, chronic fatigue is much more debilitating and can make even the simplest tasks impossible. It can also affect one’s ability to be able to attend work, school, or social functions.

Lastly, anemia. While there are many causes of anemia, the most common are low iron or a lack of B12. Women can also develop anemia as a result of heavy periods. Implementing more iron-rich foods into your diet can treat anemia. You can also take iron supplements, which can be found at your local pharmacy.